MANILA, Philippines - A US helicopter carrier with 2,200 US Marines on board is headed for the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) from Guam for scheduled joint exercises with the Philippine Marines this month.
The USS Bonhomme Richard, an amphibious assault ship, recently joined the carrier strike group USS George Washington that has begun operating in the Asia-Pacific region, more particularly in the East China Sea.
The Bonhomme Richard (HLD-6) is also carrying amphibious assault vehicles, light armored vehicles, artillery, helicopters and Harrier fighter jets.
The US Marine air-ground task force is expected to link up with 1,200 Filipino troops for this year’s joint Phiblex (amphibious exercises) scheduled in Palawan and in Zambales next week.
The two provinces are considered highly strategic due to the territorial row involving the chain of islands in the West Philippine Sea.
Palawan has territorial jurisdiction over the regime of islands in the Spratlys archipelago, while Panatag Shoal in the Paracels is considered part of Zambales.
Filipino and US officials said the exercises are aimed at further developing inter-operability between Filipino and American troops.
In a statement, US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. said this year’s joint amphibious exercises are expected to provide an opportunity for participating troops to train side-by-side on various capabilities, particularly humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
“Every year, this exercise allows us to strengthen and deepen the relationships not only between our militaries but also our communities,” he said.
The joint naval games will include staff planning, static aircraft display, multiple field training exercises and engineering.